Schwarzenegger to replace Trump as host of 'The Celebrity Apprentice'

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"Terminator" star Arnold Schwarzenegger will be the new host of NBC's reality TV show "The Celebrity Apprentice," the network said, replacing Donald Trump who quit the show to run for US president.

Schwarzenegger, 68, who returned to movie making after ending his second term as California governor in 2011, will take over when the show returns in the 2016-17 season, NBC, a unit of Comcast Corp, said in a statement.

"Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves, " Paul Telegdy, president of alternative programming for NBC, said in a statement.

Telegdy said Schwarzenegger had ideas for "a fresh take" on the show, in which celebrities compete with each other on business tasks while raising money for charities.

Trump, who coined the catch phrase "You're fired," stepped down from the show earlier this year because he decided to run as Republican candidate for US president in 2016. He is currently leading opinion polls.

Schwarzenegger said he was a huge fan of 'The Celebrity Apprentice' and "the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork. I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity."